Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Where former IBM engineers live alongside indigenous Tamil villagers

embracing mystery Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Karl's New Years Update from India

Here is a summary of my life since I left for India in September: I am happy and healthy, I loved teaching in Auroville this fall, and I am staying in Asia for at least a couple more months of teaching, meditation, yoga, and travel. Read on for more detail and photos. (PS: Thanks to the Living Routes students for sharing photos, as my camera stopped working!) For the past four months I have been living and teaching in India, based primarily in Auroville, an aspiring ecovillage in south India “dedicated to human unity,” and based on the vision of 20th century spiritual teachers Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa.

Until about a week ago, the great focus of my life in India involved serving as faculty for, and living in community with, a group of U.S. college students studying in Auroville for the semester. The program is one of the ecovillage-based college education programs of Living Routes, the organization I also worked with when I was at the Findhorn Community in Scotland.

I absolutely love the teaching work with the Living Route students! The curriculum was centered on the three intertwined themes of sustainability, community, and consciousness, and draws on both traditional academic content and rich experiential learning, to support the development of the students as whole people – mind, heart, body, and spirit.

Here are some highlights from the semester: We began each day with sunrise yoga and meditation practice for students and faculty. Some of the students and I lived at the American Pavilion, an innovative dormitory in Auroville’s International Zone, with solar power, rainwater collection, and compost toilets, as well as a giant lotus pond with a chorus of frogs. The students and faculty co-created a profoundly caring and mature “learning community” including weekly heartfelt “community sharing” and smoothly student-run consensus-based “community meetings.” Each student designed a proposal for their own “integral sustainability project” which they will implement when they get back home – from creating a sustainability-themed student housing cooperative at their University, to starting a summer community garden camp at an inner city school.

Together we explored Nonviolent Communication, Integral Theory, the Pachamama Alliance’s Awakening the Dreamer symposium, and much more, and the students seemed to love it all. At mid-semester we traveled to the ancient and boulder-strewn landscape of Hampi, India, where students completed a 3-day sacred solo and vision fast, each in their own cave. I had the opportunity to co-teach and co-design the semester with Abigail Lynam, an experienced and wise educator, and a dear friend. I come away from the semester feeling deeply grateful to be a part of education that blends personal transformation and service to the planet, and that allows me to be mentor and friend to students, as well as their faculty.

As for the place of Auroville itself, I find its vision to be particularly inspiring: "Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity." While it may not yet have fully realized its utopian ideal, Auroville is a fascinating and unique experiment, and I have enjoyed being here. Nowhere else on Earth have I found such a diversity of humanity, and of experiments in sustainable living.

  • Picture a place where 40 years ago there was a barren plateau of hard baked red earth, which through the painstaking planting of thousands of trees, has been transformed into a town covered in the native tropical evergreen forest.
  • Picture a town in south India where electric bicycles and mopeds are beginning to whir silently along dirt roads alongside pedal bicycles, motorcycles, and the occasional honking car.
  • Where a “solar kitchen” feeds 2000 people each day with meals cooked with heat collected from a giant sun dish on the roof.
  • Where no one owns the land they live on. Where you can sip cappuccino and eat hummus and baba ganoush under the shade of palm trees, at a table alongside people from Italy, Israel, and all corners from India.
  • Where the town center is a giant meditation chamber dedicated to the evolution of human consciousness.
  • Where former IBM engineers live alongside indigenous Tamil villagers.
  • Where an Englishman inspired by J. Krishnamurti and M. Fukuoka experiments in no till farming of traditional grains and tropical fruits, while playing in a band and singing Classical choral music during his free time.

And while Auroville and the Living Routes program were both worlds unto themselves, all of this is happening within the context of Tamil Nadu, India. What a gift and a challenge to be in a nation of over a billion people, of both crippling poverty and ultra high tech information technology industry, and of profound and ancient spirituality.

Here is some of what stands out in my awareness. Tamil culture, including one of the most ancient literatures and natural medical traditions in the world, down-to-earth smiles and generosity from daily encounters with villages, and the occasional harshness of stories of spousal abuse and rigid constraints of traditional gender roles. The joys of South Indian food, particularly dosai (fermented rice and lentil crepes) – hmmm. The richness of a culture which gave birth to yoga and Gandhi, in which it is commonplace for people to undertake extended spiritual pilgrimages and to recognize the divinity in all life and in all belief systems. The intensity of Indian cities: the roar of honking and beeping cars and rickshaws and motorcycles; the neon-colored temples with their array of deities, and sometimes a temple elephant; the trash-lined streets; and the eager appeals to buy something or to give something.

The climate, from the exhausting heat of early autumn, to the torrential downpour and flooding of the monsoon rains. The sights and sounds of nonhuman life: the black “lobster” scorpions you check your shoes for; the lizard catching his dinner of flying insects by the bathroom light; the herds of sacred cows wandering the roads; the chorus of birds ricocheting in the early morning; the packs of easily provoked village dogs; ants and termites constantly exploring your clothes, computer, and bed; and the poisonous viper or cobra you hope to see but not get bitten by. The simple living, from cold showers to squat toilets without toilet paper.

So, what am I up to next? I am currently leading a series of Nonviolent Communication workshops in Auroville, as well as preparing to offer the Pachamama Alliance’s Awakening the Dreamer symposium and some other trainings in group process and communication. In late January and February I am intending to go on a meditation retreat and then a yoga teacher training course. There are some interesting possibilities for after that, but for now I’m looking forward to a post-semester break, and to allowing plans to unfold naturally. Posted by nomadic catalyst at 8:22 AM > But in rural India, Dutton changed his mind. The Art Instinct; Arts & Letters Daily 7:45 PM Showing off the life of the mind

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Today they are soldiers of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo fighting for the conquest of Truth

MATRUTIRTHA
Paikakushadiha : Code : NIS. KHU. R65
Managing Trustee : KRUSHNA CHANDRA MOHARANA
Date of Installation : 23rd, December, 2003, 4PM
Installed by : Prof. C.N.SHARMA
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : No
Ashramites : Two
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 5AM TO 9 PM
Cost of Construction : One Lakhs
No. of persons visiting daily : One Hundred Approx.
Plan made by : Self
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Weekely Study circle, Daily Meditation, Celebration of Darshan Days, Student Camps, seminars etc.
BRIEF HISTORY :
Sri Bichitrananda Paikaray, a teacher of the place opened one Sri Aurobindo Study Circle and that influenced the members of the village. All the members struggled hard and ardently aspired to have Sri Aurobindo’s Relics and their aspiration was fulfilled. About 14 thousand people participated in the Relics Installation ceremony.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
Nature shall live to manifest secret God, The Sprit shall take up the human play, This earthly life become the life divine.---Sri Aurobindo

It was during 1972 when the Sri Aurobindo’s Birth Centenary was being observed in and outside the country that Sri Bichitrananda Paikray of this village was inspired by Sri Aurobindo’s Ideal while serving as a teacher at Aska of Ganjam District. In the summer holidays he was speaking about the newly found path amongst his friends circle when some of them got interested to start a Sri Aurobindo Study circle in the village.
A prayer was sent to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and upon arrival of the permission and Mother’s Blessings a study circle was started on a day none other than Savitri Amavasya, 3rd June 1972- the Birth Centenary year of Sri Aurobindo.

A large number of people had gathered to listen to Sri Aurobindo’s Savitri. On 19th December 1986 a Sri Aurobindo Mahila Pathachakra was opened in the village and on 1988 Savitri Amavasya day a Sri Aurobindo Chhatra Samaj took shape. In the year 2000 a Sri Aurobindo Integral School was started and we had the Trust registered.
Gradually the majority of the people residing in the village of Paikakushadiha turned to the idealism of Mother and Sri Aurobindo. Most are the descendants of the warrior class, “Paikas”, who were the valiant soldiers of Kalinga who fought with invaders like King Ashoka and later the British. Today they are soldiers of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo fighting for the conquest of Truth.

In 1988 a foundation stone was laid with flowers and Samadhi sand, from The Mother and Sri Aurobindo’s Samadhi at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, by Sri Bhajakrushna Sahoo. On 23rd of December 2003 at 4p.m., by Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. the completed building embraces the Sacred Relics of Sri Aurobindo with great eagerness in the hearts of this ‘warrior’ class.
We are grateful to Madhusudan Mishra, Anadi Charan Swain , Bhajakrushna Sahu , C.H. Nirakar and many other well wishers for their inspiration in making the place suitable for the Lord’s abode. © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

His is an ocean of expertise suitable for the GenNext civilization

15th August, 2008
AUROBINDO B'DAY: IGNOU Launches Programmes on HIM

New Delhi: One doesn't need to be an Aurobindonian to apply the knowledge what Sri Aurobindo preached in his life and letters. His is not just a philosophy of life, his is an ocean of expertise suitable for the GenNext civilization. This message was communicated today here to a tele-conferencing audience in the nation and centres of IGNOU world over by Dr Karan Singh, Former Union Foreign Minister and currently a Rajya Sabha member.

Dr Singh was addressing to celebrate both nation's 61st Independence Day and Sri Aurobindo's 136th Birth Anniversary, while launching academic programmes in vision and technologies applied to Aurobindo philosophy with IGNOU Vice Chancellor Professor VN Rajasekharan Pillai and Director of SACAR V Ananda Reddy. Dr Singh defined defined the occasion as "the day of introspection for all of us."The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has collaborated with SACAR and Inter-Disciplinary Studies, Puducherry for a slew of Certificate, two PG Diplomas, Bachelor, M.Phil and PhD programmes. IGNOU was yet to have included Philosophy in its curricula. This is the first time an opportunity for specialised philosophical pursuit has been made possible with a realistic vision.

According to Dr Karan Singh, himself a celebrated scholar of Aurobindo philosophy, "A shashtra, which does not have relevance to our day to day life, is best suited for research by a scholar, but that which is useful to our everyday life needs to be studied meticulously. You don't have to be an Aurobindonian to study Sri Arubindo's philosophy."
As Professor Pillai elaborated the concept behind the programmes, ""Launching of these programmes is a positive response to the need of dissemination of relevance of integrated philosophy and vision of Stri Aurobindo for the younger generations, who are seeking solution to complex day to day problems."
The new academic programme will promote indepth study and research into yogic vision. Study of all allied thoughts from trans-national thinkers and cultures is also planned to be taken up. In such areas as metaphysics, yoga, psychology, social and political thought, vision of spiritual poetry, literature and contemporary literary criticism will be in the core areas of pursuits through these programmes.

Though Sri Aurobindo philosophy and vision has already been institutionalized in form of SACAR, this MoU will ensure IGNOU certification besides, world-level disciplining in curricula. IGNOU Pro-VC Professor Lata Pillai rightly introduced the programme essentially in the domain of expertise and technical studies, despite the fact that it deals with philosophy as the core area.

Monday, December 22, 2008

The Seeker's Haven - For Mother's Kids

The Seeker's Haven - For Mother's Kids
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Raised under Mother's care at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a Sadhak answers questions like 'how can we incorporate the ‘higher concepts of life?'
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When I began the search for the Lap of Mother, the first lead I found were Her devotees. Some of my questions were "who is in charge, where are the Elders, and is there a council"?? It has become a... Tagged: introduction
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Blog Posts Love and contradiction
Contradicting Lovingly When I was young, in college and still sorting out the everyday contradictions in terms of human relationships, one of the features of my life was to understand the attitude of my parents towards me. From one angle it was clear that I was precious to them and from another angle, they seem to take me for a nincompoop. At one end of the spectrum I was supposed to do them proud by coming up to some standards that were never clearly defined while at the same time I was not… Continue
Posted by PK on December 14, 2008 at 7:34pm

The Law of the Way.....
We have always been reading and listening to calls and suggestions to surrender ourselves to The Mother and let Her lead our life, and live our life as She wills and rules. When we aspire to ascend to a higher Life, this way of Surrender seem to be a very easy. To some even it looks like a short cut because they would feel I don’t have to do anything, and She will do it for me. Indeed it is true that our sole prerequisite in the Integral Yoga is to surrender ourselves to The Mother, be a dedica… Continue
Posted by Gopal on December 6, 2008 at 10:38am

On Terrorism....what Aspect of The Mother is to be called?
Last three days probably we have always beeen concerned, discussing, thinking about the terror attack on Mumbai. i myself worked in the great city of India, for two years and know it dynamism very well. for me personally the city very close because it is in mumbai i started feeling the presence of The Mother around me. and an attack on mumbai certainly got me worried and i have been offering prayers to The Mother. the difficult time seems to be over by now. but there is a point to be discussed… Continue
Posted by Gopal on November 29, 2008 at 10:37am — 1 Comment

Taciturnity
The Case for Taciturnity Now that my baby is over one year old, I receive instructions from all including my doctor to focus on teaching my child to articulate words and communicate in a spoken language that we understand. I am asked to repeat certain words and commands so that the child learns faster and we may be able to communicate more easily with the child. Every time we meet a friend or relative, the first question that is posed is “Has she started to speak? Which words can she speak now?… Continue
Posted by PK on November 20, 2008 at 1:16am

More on marriage relationship
THE MATING DILEMMA There is so much talk of marital discord nowadays. Every journal or TV program is discussing it. My view is that I do not see any special discord that we do not have in our every day lives that necessitates a special name. It is the same old clash of two desire entities that we encounter everyday, everywhere and with everyone, each wanting its own way to the exclusion of consideration for the other. Selfishness and self-centeredness are part of the gifts endowed us by nature… Continue
Posted by PK on November 17, 2008 at 5:30am

Genius
DOES THE GENIUS HAVE A FACE? The first impression rules our prejudices? How reliable is it? How do we judge others? It is easy to go by stereo-types and there are many such images that are embedded in our memories; the doctor with his stethoscope, the ascetic in his orange gown is easy to recognize. The rural guy in his dhoti and his loose kurta and pajama are easy to place in contrast to the city Alec in his jeans and T-shirt. These are so obvious that often we use them to cloak our real perso… Continue
Posted by PK on November 15, 2008 at 5:28pm

Knowledge by Identity....
In Savitri Book 1 Canto 3... i got exposed to a wonderful message by Sri Aurobindo - "Knowledge by Identity".. A consciousness of beauty and of bliss, A knowledge which became what it perceived, Replaced the separated sense and heart And drew all Nature into its embrace. i have been trying to dig more into it and today i found an answer by The Mother to one question - "Can we know the Universe without any instruments or any such helps?" (please dont mind. i am not able to make the exac… Continue
Posted by Gopal on November 15, 2008 at 11:12am — 5 Comments

To marry or not to marry
On this question: Dear friends, One question that has bothered me for quite sometime is the decision to get married. I am 28. Would probably decide to get married (in India, if things take their uninterrupted course, it would mean an arranged marriage according to my parents etc) in a few years time. On one hand, I have references to Sri Aurobindo's letters to one of his disciples where he says not to expect any sanction from Him regarding indulgence of the latter's lower nature (something to t… Continue
Posted by PK on November 14, 2008 at 8:41pm — 4 Comments

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About Aspiration Aspiring to godhead from insensible clay, He travels slow-footed towards the eternal day.

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Sunday, December 21, 2008

The moment approaches when the Truth will govern the world. Will you work to hasten its coming?

MATRUBIHAR
Barijhola, Rayagada, Orissa: Code : SAM. RAY. R64

23rd July 1970 was a memorable day for Rayagada when a Sri Aurobindo Study Circle was started in the residence of the then District Agriculture Officer, late Sri Mayadhar Singh.
In 1971, The Mother had given the following message specially for this centre. It reads as- “The moment approaches when the Truth will govern the world. Will you work to hasten its coming?
Blessings
- The Mother

On 3rd December 1971 Prof. Prapatti had laid the foundation stone here for a sadhana kendra the land for which had been donated by Sri Trinath Dash. Later by the noble efforts of Sri Indramani Sahoo and Sri Lakshminarayan Sahoo the ‘Sri Aurobindo Society Centre’ took shape at Sri Aurobindo Nagar. This centrally placed sadhana kendra was later inaugurated by Sri Champaklal. Since 1984 onwards a Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Library, Sale Centre were organised.

The general Sri Aurobindo Study circle sittings are held every Sunday and Thursday from 7 to 8 pm. The Sri Aurobindo Mahila study circle is held from 4.30 to 5.30 pm on the same days. Apart from this Sri Aurobindo Students’ meets, SriAurobindo Teachers’ meets have been organised.

Due to lack of space a 4.6 acre land was acquired at the outskirts of the town near the village Barijhola as the main wing of Sri Aurobindo Society Centre - it has been named “Matru Bihar”. It is surrounded by a picturesque setting of green hills . The area itself is now embellished by flowers and fruit trees. It is here that the sacred Relics of Sri Aurobindo was enshrined on the 21st of December 2003 at 4p.m. by Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry.

There is a residential school at Matrubihar. A dairy has been started. Those involved in the development of this centre are the inmates of the centre as well as Sri Nilakantha Dash, Sri Sahadev Chowdhury, Sri Lakshminarayan Sahoo , Sri Indramani Sahoo, Sri Madhusudan Sahoo, Ramesh Chandra Behera, Surendranath Mohanty, Shatrughna Dhal, Kedar Panda, Saroj Kanta Mishra, Pradeep Panigrahi, Manoj Pal, Satyabadi Pati, Nimai Behera and others. © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sri Aurobindo Yogalaya, Kotpad: 20th December 2003

SRI AUROBINDO YOGALAYA
Kotpad : Code : SAM. KOR. R63
Kotpad, a town of south-west Orissa border, close to the state of Chhatishgarh, has received the Grace to dedicate itself for The Mother’s work. This place is a tribal area and is full of dense forest. Long ago at Gopabandhu Pathagar, Kotpad, the first seminar was conducted by respected Prof. Prapatti and Prof. Chandrasekhar Rath.
In 1982 a new chapter opened for Kotpad. The Mother’s Work started touching the heart of the locality. Sri Bijay Ku. Dash, Sri Ram Prasad Choudhury, Sri Sachidananda Rath and Sri Purna Ch. Swain worked to spread the message of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo . By the leadership of Sri Krushna Chandra Ghadai of Koraput the Annual first celebration of Sri Aurobindo Study Circle meet was arranged at Chaitanya Mandir. Sri Bhaja Krushna Sahu gave the name of the institution as Sri Aurobindo Yogalaya.
Sri Krushna Chandra Ghadai encouraged all the members to open a Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre. The school was finally opened on 15th August, 1996 in a rented house but subsquently shifted to its own building in an area of two acres of land.
Slowly the aspiration to have Sri Aurobindo’s Relics took roots in the hearts of all devotees. Sri Prakash Chandra Rath, the President of Sri Aurobindo Yogalaya, offered one acre of land to the institution. This strengthened the aspiration of all the members to have the material Presence of The Lord. Sri Harihar Rao, an engineer of Nabarangapur prepared a beautiful plan for the Relics Centre. After much discussion it was decided to build the Relics Centre near the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre and the construction work started with a prayer at Her Feet.
Answering the sincere prayer of the people of B. Maliguda, on the 20th of December 2003 at 12p.m., the Relics were enshrined by Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

Friday, December 19, 2008

They have accepted The Mother in all their innonence and simplicity

SriMa Sri Aurobindo Pathachakra
B. MALIGUDA
Code-SAM.NOW.R62
Managing Trustee : Sri Satya Narayan Sarangi
Date of Installation : 19th dec 2003 4pm
Installed by : Prof C.N. Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Ashramites : 60
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 24 hours
Cost of Construction : 12 lakhs
No. of persons visiting daily : More than 100
Plan made by : Sri B.K. Dash
Flooring Marbel finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation, Weekly Study Circle, Celebration of Darshan day
BRIEF HISTORY :
The dedicated, inspired and committed attitude of the members of Sri Aurobindo Study Circle at B. Maliguda shaped the circumstances to install Sri Aurobindo's Relics. It is a Tribal area. This is the only school which remains open even in Sunday. They have accepted The Mother in all their innonence and simplicity.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
To express our gratitude to Sri Aurobindo we can do nothing better than to be a living demonstration of his teaching. -The Mother

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Babaji Maharaj Sri Ramakrushna Das laid the foundation of the building of Sri Aurobindalaya, Junagarh, Kalahandi

SRI AUROBINDALAYA
Junagarh, Kalahandi.
Code : SAM. KAL. R61
Managing Trustee : Sri Paramananda Sahoo
Date of Installation : 18th December 2003
Installed by : Campaklal Ji
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 7am – 9 pm
Cost of Construction : 15 lacks
No. of persons visiting daily : 100
Plan made by : Sri Biranchi Karan
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation, Weekly Study Circle, Celebration of Darshan day and seminar etc.
BRIEF HISTORY :
Sri Aurobindo study circle at Kalahandi is a very old centre working from seventies to serve the cause of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo. It has organised many camps, seminars and conferences to spread Their message. No doubt, the influence of Babaji Maharaj and Prapatti have always guided their activities. Sri Aurobindo Relic installation is a natural consequence to the answer of their hearts aspiration for the Lords Presence.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
We must not be bewildered by appearances. Sri Aurobindo has not left us. Sri Aurobindi is here, as living and as present as ever and it is left to us to realise his work with all the sincerity , eagerness and concentration necessary. -The Mother
Sri Aurobindo Study Circle at Junagarh was opened in 1963, on the 15th of August, by inspiration from Sri Manoj Das of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. Sri Lalmani Sahu was the convenor. Sri Lalmani Sahu and Sri Paramananda Sahu visited Sri Aurobindo Ashram in February, 1969 and by the advice of Sri Babaji Maharaj took up the work of spreading Sri Aurobindo’s message among the students, teachers and local people of Junagarh.
Then a new series of activities spread at Junagarh. In 1970, Sri Madhusudan Mishra organised a students camp for ten long days. In 1971, a students and youth camp for 10 days was conducted by Smt. Bidyut Prava Devi and Sri Madhusudan Mishra. When in 1972 The Mother wanted that the message of Sri Aurobindo should reach every corner of the country, Sri Madhusudan Mishra took the lead in conducting Sri Aurobindo Study Circles in almost all the villages around Junagarh. Thousands of messages were printed and distributed among students, teachers, businessmen and others. An All Orissa Sri Aurobindo Study Circle Conference was organised on 15th and 16th March, 1972. Babaji Maharaj Sri Ramakrushna Das was present on the occasion and laid the foundation of the building of Sri Aurobindalaya.
By the advice of Sri Prapatti, a Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre was inaugurated by Sri Purna Chandra Mohapatra on 9th July, 1979. We are grateful for the visit of Sri Champaklalji on 15th January, 1982. This gave a fresh boost to our activities.
Practically Sri Aurobindo’s Relics Centre work started on 25th June, 1974 when we purchased a land of 87 decimal adjourning to the Study Circle. On 1st July, 1993 we took a firm decision to install Sri Aurobindo’s Sacred Relics at Junagarh. But the foundation was given on 6th February, 2001 by Sri Purna Chandra Mohapatra and Sri Prasad Tripathy. Though the construction work was delayed due to various reasons, The Mother’s Grace paved the way to it’s completion; and on the 18th of December 2003 at 12 p.m., our dream was realised when the The Lord came to be with us physically, by Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Sri Aurobindo Sebashram, Khariar: 16th December 2003

SRI AUROBINDO SEVASHRAM
Khariar : Code : SAN. NUA. R60

The Mother’s work at Khariar in the district Nuapada, was intiated when Manjurani Dash joined here as a teacher in the local Girls’ High School on 12th November, 1975. She started the first Sri Aurobindo Study Circle at her home. Babaji Maharaj, Sri Ramakrishna Das and Sri Prapatti gave her constant encouragement to go ahead with The Mother’s work. With the leadership of Sri Bhajakrushna Sahu, the message of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother started taking roots at different sectors of Khariar.

In 1992 a decision was taken to register the study circle as Sri Aurobindo Sebashram. When Sri T.G. Reddy came to Khariar as a police officer, he inspired all the members of the study circle to start a Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre. Manjurani Dash offered her land in the town and the Integral School was started. The school, presently begins from KG to standard VI while each year the next higher class is opened.

In the year 2000 the number of Sri Aurobindo Study Circles at Khariar were 48. Slowly the hope to have Sri Aurobindo’s Sacred Relics Centre arose in every one’s mind. As there was no Relics centre in the district of Nuapada nor any within 100 KM distance, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust agreed to the proposal of the All Orissa Sri Aurobindo Study Circle Committee and sanctioned the installation of Sri Aurobindo’s Relics. One acre land was purchased and the construction work started.

Inspite of all kinds of hindrances, with full strength of the aspiration of all members the enshrinement found its completion; and the sacred Relics were installed on 16th of December 2003 at 3 PM by Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. We are very grateful at The Lotus Feet of our Sweet Mother for guiding us and filling our hearts with Her love and inspiration and for having given us the chance to serve Her © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

Monday, December 15, 2008

Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Pitha, Sri Aurobindo Nagar, Sohela: 15th December 2003

SRI AUROBINDO NAGAR
Sohela
CODE – SAN.BAR.R59
Managing Trustee : SRI PRAKASH CHANDRA DEBATA
Date of Installation : 15th December, 2003, at 3 PM
Installed by : PROF. C.N. SHARMA
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Ashramites : Thirty five
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 24 hours
Cost of Construction : Around Seven Lakhs
No. of persons visiting daily : 200 approx
Plan made by : SRI SATYA NARAYAN MISHRA
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Weekly study circles, Darshan Days, Students, youth and Teachers seminars etc.
BRIEF HISTORY :
Sri Aurobindo Study circle started here on 8th August, 1994 and the Integral school on 15th August, 2004. The members offered their prayer at Her Feet for the installation of Sri Aurobindo’s Relics which was fulfilled on 15th Dec. 2003.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
We must not be bewildered by appearances. Sri Aurobindo has not left us. Sri Aurobindo is here, as living and as present as ever and it is left to us to realise his work with all the sincerity, eagerness and concentration necessary. 15 December 1950
Sri Aurobindo Pathachakra at Sohela came into existence on 8th August, 1994 by the aspiration of a group of aspirants lead by Sri Prakash Chandra Debata. They have the regular weekly gathering and study the literature of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Sri Aurobindo Loka Sahitya written by Sri Babaji Maharaj also inspired us a lot.This paved the way to open Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre on 15th August, 1994. Soon a land of four acres was purchased.
The visit of Sri Madhusudan Mishra of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry on 10th October, 1995 was a remarkable incidence in the development of the centre. On 20th November, 1996, Sri Anadi Charan Swain also paid a visit and his inspiring words gave a push to our way of life. Our regular activities are annual Students and Youth Camp, Teachers Training Camp, Women Conference and the celebration of Darshan days etc. Practically we are busy all the year.
On 29th January, 1998 Sri Chhote Narayan Sharma visited Sohela. His presence among us filled our hearts with deep gratitude to The Mother. After his visit, the aspiration to have Sri Aurobindo’s Relics took shape in our hearts. We requested Babaji Maharaj for a name to the centre and the name Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Pitha was given to us.
The 15th of December 2003 at 3 p.m. was the great day of installation and the Lord’s Presence came to remain in this place by Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. We pray to be worthy for Her service and this great Presence. © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Mandir, Cement Nagar: 14th December, 2003

SRI AUROBINDO SADHANA MANDIR
CEMENT NAGAR
CODE – SAN.BAR.R58
Managing Trustee : SAMARENDRA LENKA
Date of Installation : 14th December, 2003, 4 PM
Installed by : PROF. C.N.SHARMA
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Ashramites : Four
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 5am to 10pm
Cost of Construction : Approx 2 lakhs
No. of persons visiting daily : More than 200
Plan made by : Samarendra Lenka (Managing Trustee)
Flooring Marbel finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Weekly study circle, celebration of Darshan days, Students Camps, Teacher’s seminars, Study Circle conferences etc.
BRIEF HISTORY :
The Grace of The Sweet Mother and the prayers and aspiration of the members of Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Mandir guided and shaped the circumstances resulting in the installation of Sri Aurobindo’s Relics on 14th December. The members are very grateful to Prof Kittu Reddy of Sri Aurobindo Ashram , Pondicherry and Ex minister Sri Bimbadhar Kuanar who became the instrument of Sweet Mother to fulfill their heart’s aspiration.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
Sri Aurobindo is an emanation of the Supreme who came on earth to announce the manifestation of a new race and a new world: The Supramental. Let us prepare for it in all sincerity and eagerness. -The Mother
This is not an ordinary temple, neither is its aim ordinary. It has the great aim to participate in the Divine’s Work, to become an instrument of the Divine Mother in Her Lila of Manisfestation.
It was the year 1972, the year of Sri Aurobindo’s Birth Centenary. The first study circle was started on 24th November at the residence of Sri Kahnu Chran Swain. As the years rolled on, the members in Centre started increasing. By the sweet and self effacing personality of Sri Madhusudan Mishra and dynamic involvement of Sri Bhajakrushna Sahu, the study circles became active. On 19th December, 1983 Sri Madhusudan Mishra laid the foundation of the study circle building which was inaugurated by Sri Prapatti on 28th January, 1986.
  • The first Sri Aurobindo Womens’ Study Circle of this area started on 1st January, 1987 by Smt. Kamala Rout.
  • On 4th April, 1990, the Auromira Study Circle, the youth and student section of the centre started functioning by the guidance of Sri Samarendra Lenka. This opened a new dynamic chapter for the centre.
  • The youth and students organised “AuroMira sales centre”, “ Auro Mira Music centre”, a wall magazine “Auro Patra”, “Auro Library”, “Auro Hostel”, a mobile Sri Aurobindo Study Circle and gave new enthusiasm to the locality.
  • A quarterly magazine “Sangati” was started on behalf of the zone.
  • On 25th, 26th and 27th December of 1992, for the first time a “Sri Aurobindo Youth and Student Camp” of Baragada district was organised. This is an annual camp being held every year since then.
  • Another land mark was the silver jubiliee celebration of the study circle on 28th and 29th January, 1997.
  • A fresh inspiration has awakened in the locality to a new dimension. On 15th August, 1999, a Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre started by Sri Alekh Chandra Palai. Every year one new section is being added to the education centre.
Amidst all the activities a secret desire lingered in every one’s heart to have the Relics of The Lord.The heart’s prayer was offered at The Mother’s Room and Sri Aurobindo’s Room. On 30th September, 2001 at the garden of the centre, Sri Dharanidhar Sahu laid the foundation of the proposed Relics Centre. An intense inspiration touched everyone’s heart. Our engineer brother Sri Binod Kumar Sahu prepared a simple but beautiful plan and the construction activity gained momentum.
On 2nd February, 2002 when Sri Aurobindo’s Relics halted for few minutes on the way to Ruchida, it was felt as if The Lord said to us “Get Prepared I am coming here too”. The center is deeply grateful to Madhusudan Mishra, Anadi Charan Swain, Bhajakrushna Sahu, C.H.Nirakar, Pravat Kumar Nayak and many others for their inspiring words.
On the 14th of December, 2003 at 4 PM. the prayer was fulfilled when the sacred relics were enshrined in the temple by Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

Friday, December 12, 2008

Sri Aurobindo Pathchakra, Matrubhumi, Dera: 12th December 2003

Sri Aurobindo Pathchakra
Matrubhumi, Dera
CODE –KRU.ANG.R57
Managing Trustee : Dr. Madan Mohan Pradhan
Date of Installation : 12th Dec. 2003, AT-4pm
Installed by : Prof. C.N.Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Ashramites : 7 persons
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 6am to 8pm
Cost of Construction : Rs. 4 lakhs
No. of persons visiting daily : 150 - 200
Plan made by : Mr Jyotirmay Sinha and Mr Pradeep Ku Pradhan
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation, Weekly Study circle, Celebration of Darshan Day, Seminar etc
BRIEF HISTORY :
By the inspiratiom and guidance of Babaji Maharaj and Prapati the first Sri Aurobindo Study circle in this area was established in 1970. When the people of the area become aware of the ideals of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre was established.Member of the Sri Aurobindo study circle offered their prayer for the installation of Sri Aurobindo Relics at the centre anf it was accepted by Her Grace.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
Sri Aurobindo is always with us, enlighting, guiding, protecting. We must answer to his Grace by a perfect faithfulness. -The Mother
In he early seventies a group of young School and College students in and around Dera had began to turn towards Sri Aurobindo’s and Mother’s thoughts and had began reading and discussing Their books. This resulted in the organisation of a Sri Aurobindo Study Circle in 1975. Initially there were weekly sittings and along with some activities were taken up. These were awareness programmes for a healthy life including environmental sanitation, building up of library, organisation of seminars on Sri Aurobindo's and The Mother's Work, visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram and other Sri Aurobindo Centres of Orissa.
Initially there was no definite place to conduct the study circle; it was held at different places. Gradually more people including the elders began to get interested and involved in the movement. This resulted in the creation of the permanent place for the study circle. Financial as well as physical help poured in to expedite the work.
At the moment 5 study circle sittings are conducted here. Two general Study Circle sittings on Wednesdays and Sundays; Sri Aurobindo Mahila Pathachakra sittings are held on Thursdays; Sri Aurobidno teachers study circle are held on Saturdays, Ex students’ Pathachakra on Sundays Apart from this the Mother’s and Sri Aurobindo’s Birthdays, and other Darshan days as well as the Study Circle anniversaries are observed annually.
All the activities of this study circle are taken up in order to grow into the higher consciousness as well as place before the people this new ideal. The following sections have been opened in the premises of our centre: -
1. Sri Aurobindo Library 2. Annapurna Bhandar (Sales Centre) 3. Matru Bhojanalaya (Dining hall) 4. Flower and Fruit Garden and Agriculture. 5. Sri Aurobindo Samadhi Mandir 6. Hostel
Sri Aurobindo Institute of Integral Education and Research is a wing of the study circle and is based on the Mother and Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy. Prof. Prapatti of Sri Aurobindo Ashram had laid the foundation of this education centre on 27th July, 1985. Now it is from K.G. to Std- VII
One of the main dreams of the devotees of Sri Aurobindo Pathachakra here, was to have the sacred Relics of the Supreme Lord. Babaji Maharaj guided us at every step and Sri Champaklalji poured his love and that lead to lay the foundation on 21st February 2003. Finally the dream came true on the 12th of December 2003 at 4 PM when Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry installed the Sacred Relics at Dera. The area was named ‘Matrubhumi’. © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Nabashakti, Kumbharmundhakata, Mayurbhanj: 11th December 2003

NABASHAKTI
Kumbharmundhakata, Mayurbhanj : Code : AST.MAY.R56
This centre in the village Kumbharmundhakata is placed in the scenic beauty of north Orissa in the district of Mayurbhanj close to the no -5 NH. In 1971 Dr. Purnachandra Mohapatra, a devotee of the Mother came to settle in this village and served the area as a private practitioner. He also started a Sri Aurobindo Study Circle on 4th September 1974.
Three to four years later the members of the study circle became enthusiastic to start a Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre as well as Sri Aurobindo Relics Centre. In 1976 they met Sri Prapatti at a Sri Aurobindo students’ camp at Betnoti and gave him the proposal. Prapatti was extremely delighted and conferred the name “Nabashakti” to the centre and proposed to get it registered for which he specially delegated the responsibility to Sri Bhajakrushna Sahoo. “Things will be done in a new way here!” was Prapatti’s declaration.
With much eagerness a hunt began for an appropriate place for starting the school. Nothing seemed to happen- when suddenly while walking along the National Highway one evening there came a strong smell of Ashram incense coming from the direction of a dilapidated place with no habitation nearby. The group who were walking by went and meditated there praying to the Mother for Her work to start in that spot. It was decided to appeal to the owner of the place.The responsibility for this was given to one of the members, Sri Gopal Chandra Pradhan.
However that very night some unknown person went to the owner of the place -a tribal and requested him for donating the place for his work. That very night also the owner went to the spot to see the place. The next day as soon as he was approached for the land by Sri Gopal Ch. Pradhan he immediately agreed to give the place! The Government’s permission was however required to transfer the land as it belonged to a tribal. This place was registered as “Nabashakti”. The present Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre stands there; proving how by Her infinite Grace She uses human instruments to carry out Her work.
During Champaklalji’s visit in 1979 en route to Simlipal to see “Khairi” the pet tiger Prapatti had arranged for Champaklalji to visit the spot and lay the foundation stone of the school. Champaklalji was delighted to visit the place and laid the foundation on 6th March 1979. Soon the school building was started and by Prapatti’s aspiration the school was inaugurated on 17th July 1980. Subsequently when 17 decimal land was added by a 99year lease deed there came the inspiration to build a Relics Centre. On “Kalipuja” day the 17th November 1981 Prapatti himself laid the foundation stone of the Relics Centre. He strangely uttered that “it is after 12 years(a yuga) that the work for the Relics Centre will begin”.
On 30th January 1982 Champaklalji visited this centre for the 2nd time and distributed sweets to the school children. However there was a period after this when a lot of hostilities arose and threatened to spoil the work. Babaji wrote to the members ‘Have strong faith and trust in the Mother and go ahead with the work and let us wait patiently and see what happens.’
At this time a student of the school had a dream in which he saw that a huge lion rushing towards the Relics Mandir and those who were attacking the centre and causing harm were hurrying away in fear. They were driven into the river and were bobbing up and down ! When Champaklal, “Mother’s Lion”, came here for the 3rd time on 30th January 1984 he went all around the Relics Mandir laughing loudly and dancing! All hostilities thereafter began to fade out.
As everywhere, ego and ambition have delayed the work and created monetary problems but the victory of Truth is certain and this removed all obstacles. As a result the building for the Shrine was completed and the Sacred Relics were enshrined on the 11th of December 2003 at 4p.m, by Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, fulfilling the long cherished dream of the simple & pure souls to have the Lord amidst themselves. (Translated from the original oriya write up of Sri Ramahari Palei) © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

Sri Aurobindo's perspective on human motivation in the field of psychology

From: "SABDA eNews" mail@sabda.in CC: Subject: Pavitra's Conversations with Sri Aurobindo Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:17:32 +0530

Of the new books presented in this issue one is a record of conversations between Sri Aurobindo and Pavitra (the Frenchman Philippe Barbier Saint Hilaire) which took place more than eighty years ago. Another is a modern look at Sri Aurobindo's perspective on human motivation within the context of other theoretical perspectives in the field of psychology.
The Quest for Knowledge and Mastery, which began as Martha Orton's doctoral dissertation in the field of Integral Yoga Psychology at Sri Aurobindo Darshan: The University of Tomorrow, is a study of Sri Aurobindo's writings concentrated on revealing what Orton, a psychotherapist who has studied Sri Aurobindo's writings over many years, terms his “well-developed, original, and profound theory of motivation”. She approaches her subject with the acknowledgement that Sri Aurobindo's theory of motivation is not presented as a theory in the ordinary sense of the word, as a speculative position to be investigated, tested, or proved through intellectual analysis or empirical research, but is an _expression of a spiritual knowledge and consciousness achieved through the process of inner experience and realisation. Using as source material the considerable body of Sri Aurobindo's writings on consciousness, especially in The Life Divine and The Synthesis of Yoga, she presents a detailed examination of his perspective on human motivation and shows its relation to other aspects of his vision and to other theories as established in several branches of psychological thought. This approach may well encourage other professionals in the field of psychology to take up themes for similar studies, leading modern practitioners in this rapidly changing science to discover a revelatory panorama of psychological insight and knowledge, and an extensive “view of consciousness and human potential for growth, spiritual realisation, and transformation” in the writings of Sri Aurobindo.
Conversations with Sri Aurobindo is in some ways a case study, a record of how a spiritual seeker learns to quiet the mind and open to the divine force and light from above. For nearly a year after he arrived in Pondicherry Pavitra spoke regularly with Sri Aurobindo, discussing his spiritual practices and receiving instruction in meditation. Pavitra's question and Sri Aurobindo's reply quoted below reveal a frank and open exchange that is characteristic of all the conversations recorded in the book:
Friday, 22 January 1926
These last few days have not brought much progress, for my mind was extremely distracted and disturbed by different mental pursuits. Everything has settled down now, but I don't see very clearly what I ought to do. My mind is divided into two parts. The first part, which uses language and reasons and formulates, is the part that falls silent. But a certain attention is necessary to prevent untimely thoughts from arising through the throat and disturbing this peace. The other part is attentive, its special function being the vision of inner images; its centre is the Ajna. This part has been inactive so far, but even so it is not always still; it is centred here and there and does not know what to do.
Thoughts, in fact, have their origin in the solar plexus; then they rise up through the throat and invade the brain, where they become conscious. The still mind has no definite localisation; it is a matter of habit. For the moment you are localising it in the brain, but its true seat, which corresponds to the higher mental truth, is the Sahasrara. Above, this consciousness itself will spread out and become the cosmic consciousness.
There are two different points to consider. The first is to empty the active mind of thoughts and leave it motionless. This is a useful capacity. The second is to remain completely detached from the thoughts that may arise in this active mind. Later you will see the thoughts being formulated there, not rising from below but coming from the surroundings or from above. And you will have to learn to recognise the Truth.
So you must learn to regard these thoughts as external objects, never allowing yourself to get carried away.
Besides, from now on, while keeping the lower mind still, you may “look above” in order to gradually centre your consciousness there.
NEW PUBLICATIONS
To order any book, click on the title, which will locate the book in our online catalogue. Next, add it to the shopping cart. You may then proceed to pay by credit card online.
ENGLISH
Conversations with Sri Aurobindo
— Pavitra ISBN: 978-81-7058-879-5 Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publication Department, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 165 Price: Rs 85
From December 1925 to November 1926 Philippe Barbier Saint Hilaire, later known as Pavitra, held regular private conversations with Sri Aurobindo that centred on the practice of Yoga and Pavitra’s own sadhana. This book is a record of these conversations and some he had with the Mother toward the end of that year. It also includes several of the evening talks, in which Sri Aurobindo conversed informally with a small group of disciples, on such subjects as science and occultism which especially interested Pavitra. The book’s introduction is a talk given in 1964 by Pavitra in which he recounts his early life experiences and the events which led him to come to Pondicherry.
The Quest for Knowledge and Mastery
A Comparative Study of Motivation in the Light of Sri Aurobindo— Martha S. G. Orton ISBN: 978-81-901891-7-0 Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 358 Price: Rs 360
In Part One of this study the author presents one important aspect of human motivation gleaned from a detailed study of Sri Aurobindo's writings: that man is driven by an impulsion to seek the true knowledge and mastery of life; that this motivation originates from the hidden reality of a single spiritual Self that stands behind all the activities of mind, life, and body; and that to find the conditions under which this impulse can be fulfilled in all aspects of his being is the central problem of man's life. Part Two examines how Sri Aurobindo's view relates to other theoretical perspectives of motivation in different fields of human psychology, such as the psychoanalytic, social, personality, humanistic, and transpersonal psychologies.
Correspondences, Interviews and Conversations with Sri Aurobindo and The Mother
— Compiled by Avadhani (Bhanabhai G. Patel) ISBN: 978-0-9545855-0-1 Publisher: Avadhani (Bhanabhai G. Patel) U. K.Binding: Soft CoverPages: 100Price: Rs 90
This compilation offers a wide choice of extracts from some of the correspondences, interviews, and conversations that Sri Aurobindo and the Mother had with various sadhaks. The topics covered range from the importance of Sri Aurobindo’s Savitri, the nature of avatarhood, the right attitude in work, and the significance of dates with certain numerical combinations, to European and Indian music, wars and destruction, and India’s role in the world. The selections include material from A. B. Purani, Dyuman, Dilip Kumar Roy, K. M. Munshi, Udar Pinto, Nagin Doshi, Amal Kiran, Mona Sarkar, and others.
ITALIAN
Come Procedere?
Una Chiave per la Sadhana— M. P. Pandit ISBN: 978-81-7509-103-0 Publisher: Dipti Publications, PondicherryBinding: Soft CoverPages: 78Price: Rs 60
Italian translation of How Do I Proceed?
Explains some practical aspects of Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga for spiritual seekers.
HINDI
Mahanisha ka Tirthyatri
Sri Aravinda ki 78 Kavitayen— Sri Aravind ISBN: 978-81-89576-05-9Publisher: Kalpataru Prakashan, HapurBinding: Hard CoverPages: 195Price: Rs 200
Bharat, Vishwa aur Manavata ka Bhavishya
Sri Aravind evam Sri Ma ke Alok main— Shyam Kumari Publisher: Vraja Trust, PondicherryBinding: Soft CoverPages: 268Price: Rs 200
BENGALI
Ma Bai Samparke Srima
— Srima ISBN: 978-81-7058-907-5Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publication Department, PondicherryBinding: Soft CoverPages: 185Price: Rs 85
Bengali translation of The Mother by Sri Aurobindo, with the Mother's Comments
This book contains The Mother by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother's spoken comments on passages from that book, made during her evening classes at the Ashram Playground. For each chapter the first set of comments were given in 1951 and the second in 1954. These comments do not form a systematic commentary on Sri Aurobindo's work, but are rather explanations of certain passages, phrases, and words. The Mother usually began the class by reading out a passage from the book, then commented on it or invited questions from those gathered around her.
Amritapurusha Sri Aurobindo
— Amalesh Bhattacharya Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Samiti, KolkataBinding: Soft CoverPages: 72Price: Rs 60
GUJARATI
Sadhananu Nootan-Darshan
— Mansinhbhai Chavda Publisher: Sri Ma Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Kendra, RajkotBinding: Hard CoverPages: 368Price: Rs 250

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Matrujyoti, Betnoti, Mayurbhanj: 10th December 2003

MATRUJYOTI
Betnoti, Mayurbhanj : Code : AST.MAY.R55
The Study circle of this small way side town of Mayurbhanj district started in 1969 in the residence of late Sri Upendra Mohanty, a class IV employee of the Department of Electricity. Prapatti had been associated with this centre since its inception. We remember the current of inspiration that touched our hearts in a 3 day Youth and Students camp in 1975 in the premises of the Maharaja M.P.C. High School of Betnoti. In another three - day camp at Baripada where Prapatti was present, there was a proposal to start a school at Betnoti. Prapatti flared up saying
“Do you think it is a joke to start a Sri Aurobindo Integral School that you will open a school just anywhere?! It requires much preparation of the individuals who start it”. After some time closing his eyes he said “ Yes, a school can start at Betnoti but where is the place? Where is the building for the same? Instantaneously late Sri Mohanty burst forth that he would offer his own house and land for the work.
This is the beginning of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre at Betnoti. The school opened on 21st February, 1979. All the members promised before The Mother’s Photograph that all through their lives they would help the centre to grow.
The visit of Prapatti, Chittaranjan Das, Madhusudan Mishra, Bhaja Krushna Sahu and above all the close association of Anadi Charan Swain have guided our steps. We are proud of the visit of Sri Champaklalji who came here twice. We are very grateful at the Feet of The Mother for the help and sympathy from all sources that we have received.
Now the enshrinement of the material Portion of the Lord by Prof Chhotenarayan Sharma from Sri aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, on the 10th of December 2003 at 12 P.M. has fulfilled our long cherished aspiration. © 2005 Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack-753013

Birth Centenary celebration of Babaji Maharaj

Home Relics Centers Dasa Karmadhara Events Publications Gallery Miscellaneous Sri Aurobindo University Contact Us Key events of the year Events Calendar News from events Monthly News
Monthly News – September
ASPRUHA ZONE
GANJAM
From 25.5.2008 to 29.5.2008 a training workshop for the workers of Sri Aurobindo Study Circle was organised under the guidance of Anadi Charan Swain in the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre of R. Damodarpalli. In this workshop several discussions were held on varieties of topics “The Mother and Sri Aurobindo”, “Babaji Mahara’s contribution to The Mother’s work”, “The Path of old and new Yoga” , “Sri Aurobindo Study Circle”… Several new study circles were opened in places like R.Damodarpalli, Ghasibil, G. Damodarpalli, Kalasandhapur, Pataliguda, Aska, Baragaon, Putuleswarpalli and Mukundpur village… From 12.6.2008 to 15.6.2008 Sri Aurobindo Study Circle and Sri Aurobindo Mahila Study Circle were organised in the premises of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Berhampur. On the first day Bhagirathi Mohapatra, Bimalprasanna Das, and Subash Chandra Pattanayak delivered their speeches on the subject “Yoga and the Aim of Life”. On the second day Trilochan Pattanayak spoke on “Supramental and the Divine Work”, Geetanjali Senapati spoke on “The role of Women in the making of the New Age”, Subash Chandra Pattanayak said on “The Mother is Everything to us”, and Sri Subash Chandra Kar discussed on “The Future is full of Possibilities.” On the third day of the study circle several discussions were made on various subjects like “Brahmacharya”, “Savitri”, and “Namajapa in the Yoga of Transformation” by Subash Chandra Kar, Bhagarathi Mohapatra and Sarojkanta Mishra and Bhikari Charan Mohapatra. Pradipta Kumar Panigrahi, Arabinda Dash discussed on “Organisation”. On the fourth day discussions were made by Subash Chandra Panda, Subash Chandra Pattanayak, Sarojkanta Mishra on “ Harmony at any cost”… On 6.7.2008 an organizational meeting was held at Berhampur by Sashadhar Behera… On 29.7.2008 the 24th Workers’ Meet was held at Berhampur. In this meet Gadadhar Mishra, Prasad Tripathy, Gangadhar Reddy, B.Udaynath Reddy, Ch. Nirakar had participated… On 14th and 15th August the 136th Birth Anniversary and the Birth Centenary of Babaji Maharaj… On 18.8.2008 the Fourth Zonal Science Exhibition was held and in this exhibition thirty two students from twelve different Integral schools had participated.
ASTHA ZONE
BALASORE
On 14.8.2008 a special study circle was organised on the occasion of celebration of the birth anniversary at Sri Yogamandir, Santia. Keshab Kumar Kar, Direndra Pradhan, Adya Pradhan had discussed in the meeting…On 15.8.2008 Saroj Ranjan Senapati held organised a special Sri Aurobindo Study Circle at his residence. Sanjukta Pradhan, Keshab Kumar Kar, Purna Chandra Senapati etc participated in the meeting.
BHADRAK
On 4.7.2008 the 7th Annual Sri Aurobindo Study Circle was held at Natabar Bark’s house. Hrushikesh Mishra conducted this study circle. Bhaktahari Ratha and Kirtanbihari Brahma discussed on “Application of Sri Aurobindo’s Yoga”, “The secrets of Mother’s taking birth ”… On 5.7.2008 Annual Function of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Chandbali was celebrated. Anadi Bhai discussed about “Integral Education in Orissa”… On 6.7.2008 a new study circle was opened by Anadi Bhai at Ashok Bhai’s residence… Bhaktahari Ratha, and Sumant Kumar Chakra discussed on “Why and how Sri Aurobindo Study Circle”, and “the responsibilities of parents in educating a child” in a newly opened study circle at Arnapal… On 8.7.2008 Anadi Bhai discussed about ‘The Old Education and Integral Education’ in a special programme in Durgacharan High School… On the same day a new study circle was opened at Nimain Charan house. Anadi Bhai discussed about “The Study circle in our family and Sri Aurobindo’s Yoga”… On 11.7.2008 a district level workers’ meet was organised at Charampa. Gadadhar Mishra, Nirakar Bhai, Danu Bhai, Laksmidhar Pagal and Ramesh Chandra Dalai had taken part in various discussions. The subjects covered in the meet were “Sri Aurobindo University”, “Harmony”, “Divine Worker”, and “We and our Organisation”… On 14.8.2008 a new Sri Aurobindo Study Circlw was opened at Khapuriapada… On 15.8.2008 Hrushi Bhai, Bhagi Bhai and Pradeep Bhai discussed… the Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo was celebrated at Bandalo Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre. Bhagi Bhai, Hrushi Bhai etc discussed on “The Life of Sri Aurobindo”… On 17.8.2008 in the occasion of celebration of the 21st Annual Sri Aurobindo Study Circle Indramani Mahal discussed on the subject “True Prayer”. The programme was organised at Sitaram Bhawan of Nuabazar. It was conducted by Birendra Pattanayak and Kashinath Sahoo … On 31.8.2008 the 55th session was organised at the study circle room of Tihidi Block. Indramani Mahal discussed about “The Supramental as the Creator”.
KEONJHAR
On 1.7.2008 the Foundation Day of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre Mining Road Keonjhar was celebrated… On 8.7.2008 the Workers’ Meet of Keonjhar District was orgainised in the school premises. Gadadhar Mishra, C.H. Nirakar and Prasad Tripathy had participated in that meeting… On 17.7.2008 the annual anniversary of Sri Aurobindo Study Circle was celebrated in Sri Aurobindo Charu Kala Mahavidyalaya, Keonjhar… In this meeting “ART’ was the subject of discussion by the participants… On 29.7.2008 in the study circle of Trilochan Sahoo the topics – “The Material World” and “A Dreamy World”…On 1.8.2008 Sri Aurobindo Study Circle of Hatadihi Block was organised at Chhenapadi. Gobind Bhai, Sanatan Bhai, Danu Bhai, Guna Bhai, Bidyadhar Bhai discussed on “The need of Sri Aurobindo’s Yoga and its application”.
KRUPA ZONE
DHENKANAL :
A new Sri Aurobindo study circle named Maa Meera Study Circle was opened in the house of Bharat Samal of Gobindpur. In this study circle Tiki Apa, Lulu Apa, Mani Apa, Champa Apa, Bina Apa discussed on “The need of Sri Aurobindo Study Circle”… On 5.7.2008 the Foundation Day of Sri Aurobindo Vidyamandir, Gobindpur was celebrated. In this celebration Ajay Bhai and Kuni Apa discussed about “Why should we teach in the Integral Education Centre?”, “The problems of Women” and “The role of women in Organisation”… On 25.6.2008 a Question-Answer Programme was organised in Archana Ape’s house and their quests were answered by Babuli Bhai and Nirakar Bhai… On 8.7.2008 the fourth annual Sri Aurobindo Study Circle was held in Amita Petra’s house. Kuni Apa and Jhali Apa both discussed about the first chapter of The Mother…On 9.7.2008 on the occasion of celebrating the 4th annual anniversary of Madhumayee study circle. The fourth chapter of The Mother was discussed by Kuni Apa.
SAMARPAN ZONE
KORAPUT
On 22.6.2008 the District Workers’ Meet was organised at Sri Aurobindo Bhaban Koraput. Prasant Kumar Swain conducted this meet… On 3.7.2008 Surendranath Dash conducted a special study circle at Sri Aurobindo Bhaban, Koraput. On 26.7.2008, the annual district level Workers’ Meet was organised at Sri Aurobindo Bhaban Koraput. Gadadhar Mishra, Prasad Tripathy, Ramesh Chandra dalai, Santosh Gahan, C.H. Nirakar, Surendranath Dash, Lalitmohan Pattanayak etc participated in the orgainisation meeting… On 10.8.2008 the District Level Women’s Study Circle was held at Sri Aurobindo Bhaban. Here a group discussion was organised where the participants vividly discussed on “The problems of today and their solution”. In this Sudeshna Ghosh, Sasmita Rath, Sangita Pattanayak, Surama Ratha etc participated and gave their individual views… On 14th and 15th August the 136th Birth Anniversary of Babji Maharaj was celebrated in the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre Damanjodi. Akshya Bhai, Pramod Bhai had taken part in this celebration. On 15th participants took part in a group discussion “The World is preparing for a change, will you help?” On 14th and 15th August Surendranath Dash discussed on “Our Babaji Maharaj” at Koraput. A Quiz programme on Babaji’s life was conducted by Haribhai. NABRANGPUR
On 15.7.2008 Narasingh Majhi conducted a special study circle in the premises of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, B.Maliguda. Abhimanyu Das, Pravat Bhai, Ramakanta Jena etc participated in the discussion on “The Victory over Death”… On 24.7.2008 the annual district level workers’ Meet was held in which Gadadhar Mishra, Prasad Tripathy, Ramesh Chandra dalai, Santosh Gahan, C.H. Nirakar, Surendranath Dash, and Lalitmohan Pattanayak etc participated… On 10.8.2008 the Sahitya Parishad Programme was organised in the Integral Education Centre Raighar…On 14.8.2008 Kulamai Nayak of Malisahi celebrated the Annual Sri Aurobindo Study Circle in which Prasant Kumar Swain said on “How to control oneself in every situation”… on the same day in several places of the district the Birth Centenary of Babaji Maharaj was celebrated…On 15.8.2008 the 136th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo was celebrated in the premises of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Nabrangpur. “The Life sketches of Sri Aurobindo”, “The three madness of Sri Aurbindo”, “Five Dreams” etc were discussed by the students.
MALKANGIRI
On 25.7.2008 the annual district level Workers’ Meet was organised in the Integral School of Malkangiri. In this meeting Gadadhar Mishra, Prasad Tripathy, C.H. Nirakar, Ramesh Chandra Dalai, Dilip Ojha, Sitnsu Behera etc had participated discussed on the several aspects of organisation… On 14.8.2008 the Birth centenary was clelebrated at Malkangiri. Sitansu Bhai discussed “Namajapa in Yoga of transformation”.
RAYAGADA
On 27.7.2008 the Annual Workers Meet was organised in the school premises of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre of Raygada and the workers discussed on the Dashakarmadhara of Organisation…On14.8.2008 on the holy occasion of the Birth Centenery of Babaji Maharaj a Special Function was arranged. In this function a study circle on “Babji’s simple way to achieve our aim” and “Babaji’s gift to Orissa-people”. Nilakantha Das, Lakshminarayan Das, Kishore Chandra Panda etc had participated in this meeting in Barijhola Sri Aurobindo Integral school.
SAMATA ZONE
JHARSUGUDA
On 5.7.2008 the Annual District Level Workers’ Meet was held at Matrujyoti, Jharsuguda. In this meeting workers from the whole district had participated on different aspects of Organisation. Gadadhar Mishra, C.H Nirakar, Prasad Tripathy, Dr. Debidutta Kar had also participated in this organizational meeting. On 7.8.2008 the first annual anniversary of Sri Aurobindo Study circle was celebrated at Matrujyoti.
SUNDARGARH
From 25.7.2008 to 27.7.2008, for the three days a Workshop on English Literature was organised at Biramitrapur. In this workshop Golakbihari Sahoo, Dr, S.P. swain, Lectr. Ajit Das, Dr. Kishori Das, and Purna Bhai had participated. Many teachers got proper guidance, many clarified their doubts.
SATYA ZONE
CUTTACK On 31.7.2008, the Annual District Level Workers’ Meet was organised at Matrubhaban, Cuttack…On 15.8.2008 the 26th annual study circle of Jyotirmayee Study Circle, was celebrated. The study circle also celebrated the 136th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo. Malay Bhai, Sarbeswar Bhai, Raghu Bhai, Sukadeb Samal had participated in the discussion “The new sadhana of new age: Sri Aurobindo Study Circle”.
JAGATSINGHPUR
On 1.8.2008 the 6th Annual Function of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre of Gadakujanga was celebrated and was presided by Hemant Kumar Das. Maguni Bhai spoke on “Integral Yoga and the aspiration of a Human being”, Gandharba Charan Lenka said on “Integral Yoga and Integral Education” . In this function Sarbeswar Bhai, Prakash Bhai, Sasmita Mohapatra, Debadatta Samantray, Bhagaban Mohapatra had come to participate in the meeting.
KENDRAPARA
On 3.8.2008 a special Sri Aurobindo study Circle was organised at Kanpur, a village near Marshaghai. Jogi Bhai, Bihari Bhai, Nityananda Bhai etc. On 7.8.2008 a new Sri Aurobindo Women’s Study Circle was opened in Giranga village. Srikant Bhai, Jogi Bhai etc had participated in this study circle… On 11.8.2008 Sukadeb Samal discussed on “Play of the Creation and Evolution” in a study circle of Nadiabarai, Garadpur blockOn 12th, 13th, and 14th several study circles were organised in many schools of Gajipur, Hurasahi etc.
JAJPUR
On 12.7.2008 the Annual District Level Workers’ Meet was orgainsed at SrimaSriAurobindo Yoganiketan at Panikoili. Sarbeswar Bhai presided over the meeting. Gadadhar Mishra, C.H. Nirakar, Prasad Tripathy, Kirtan Bihari Raut and Ramesh Chandra dalai had participated in this organisation meet.
SANTI ZONE
BOLANGIR
On 14.8.2008 the Birth Centenary of Babaji Maharaj was celebrated in the Sri Aurobindo Study Circle of Pratima Jal. A discussion was held on the life of Babaji Maharaj.
NUAPADA
On 14.8.2208 the Birth Centenary was observed in the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education centre, Khariar… On 15.8.2008 the 136th Birth Anniversary was celebrated and the Aspruha magazine was brought out on this occasion.
SANGATI ZONE
BARGARH
On 14th and 15th August 2008 the Birth Centenary Of Babaji Maharaj and the 136th birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo was celebrated respectively in several places of the district including Aurobihar, Bheden.
BAUD
On 14.8.2008 the birth centenary of Babaji Maharaj was observed in Padarpada. Speakers discussed on “The childhood of Sri Aurobindo” and “Surrender in Integral Yoga”.
NISTHA ZONE
KHORDHA
On 15.8.2008, on the occasion of 136th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo, a special study circle was organised at Auroashray, Niladribihar. Subhransu Kumar Parija discussed on the subject “Our India is loftier than Heavens”.